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Cardboard Collection Pilot Program

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Starting the Week of June 9, 2025 in Area C!

Upper Dublin Township is excited to announce a new pilot program for cardboard collection in Area C (click this link for the collection area map)! This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of our recycling process.

How It Works:

  • Cardboard collection will take place on the same day as your trash and recycling: Tuesdays.
  • This collection is for corrugated cardboard only (shipping boxes or any boxes with a waffled interior).
  • To prepare for this collection, cardboard should be flattened and placed inside one intact box.
    • Alternatively, you may tie a flattened bundle with twine or string before placing it at the curb.
    • Oversized boxes should be flattened and folded.
  • Place cardboard at the curb (preferably on the grass strip next to the curb) on Monday evenings.
  • Ensure that your cardboard is at least 3 feet away from obstructions and 1 foot away from trash & recycling cans to avoid interference with automated collections.

During the pilot program, a rear-loading truck will collect cardboard separately from other recyclables. All other recyclables will be picked up by an automated arm truck.

 one large cardboard box containing other flattened boxes and a blue recycling cart closed with cardboard boxes next to it. this is good cardboard collection prep.

 a blue recycling cart overstuffed with large cardboard which is protruding from the top. next to it is a large cardboard box with trash spilling from it. this is poor cardboard collection prep.

Why This Program?

We have seen a significant increase in cardboard waste in recycling carts over the last several years, which often leads to jams in our collection trucks. Bulky or excessive cardboard in blue recycling carts cannot be emptied properly, causing delays and safety concerns for our operators. This new collection method will help streamline recycling efforts while improving efficiency and safety.

Our Public Works Director and Sanitation Superintendent will closely monitor the program's success based on:

  • the amount of cardboard collection,
  • resident participation and cooperation, and
  • the time and resources needed for collection.

This pilot program will begin in Area C. Based on the success of this initial rollout, we may expand the program to additional areas in the future.

Important Guidelines:

To ensure successful collection, please do not include the following items with your cardboard:

  • Plastic
  • Styrofoam
  • Food containers
  • Pizza boxes
  • Cereal boxes
  • Trash

If any of these non-accepted materials are mixed with your cardboard, it will not be collected.

We appreciate your cooperation in making this pilot program a success. If you have any questions, please contact the Sanitation Department at 215-643-1600 ext. 3412 or sanitation@upperdublin.net.